With the state of the economy leading employers to have higher expectations from the candidates they hire, employers see a tremendous value in attributes that a candidate possesses and would likely influence them to select one candidate over another in the initial screening interview.

According to a Job Outlook 2012 Survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the two most important skills/qualities is “the ability to work in a team structure” and “to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization.” These are followed by candidates’ “ability to make decisions and solve problems,” “to obtain and process information,” and the “ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.” Closely behind is the “ability to analyze quantitative data,” “technical knowledge related to the job,” “create and/or edit written reports,” and to “sell or influence others.”

Topping the list of traits sought after on the resume are teamwork, leadership and written communication skills. According to this NACE survey, to be successful in the current job market, what recruiters acknowledged as critical skills and attributes of prospective employees should prove helpful to job seekers.

Learn how you can best market your experience and skills/abilities to employers by contacting Maureen Roach at (309) 438-5823 or maroach@ilstu.edu for a resume critique